U.S. patent application number 11/398821 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for monitoring device, method and system.
Invention is credited to Donald Brady, Sammy I. Elhag, Steve Lui.
Application Number | 20060253010 11/398821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37394932 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060253010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brady; Donald ; et
al. |
November 9, 2006 |
Monitoring device, method and system
Abstract
A monitoring device (20) and method (200) for monitoring the
health of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device (20) is
preferably a watch (25), an optical sensor (30) disposed on a band
of the watch (25), a circuitry assembly (35) embedded within a main
body of the watch (25), a display member (40) disposed on an
exterior surface of the main of the watch, and a control component
(43). The monitoring device (20) preferably displays the following
information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels;
calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target
zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and dynamic blood
pressure. The watch (25) also displays the time of day on the
display member (40).
Inventors: |
Brady; Donald; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Elhag; Sammy I.; (San Diego, CA) ; Lui;
Steve; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Impact Sports Technologies, Inc.
2101 Plaza Del Dios
Las Vegas
NV
89102
US
|
Family ID: |
37394932 |
Appl. No.: |
11/398821 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11085778 |
Mar 21, 2005 |
|
|
|
11398821 |
Apr 6, 2006 |
|
|
|
60669325 |
Apr 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
60613785 |
Sep 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/324 ;
128/921; 600/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/14552 20130101;
A63B 2230/207 20130101; G04G 21/025 20130101; G16H 40/67 20180101;
A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 2230/30 20130101; A63B 2230/06
20130101; A61B 5/681 20130101; A61B 5/222 20130101; A63B 2071/0663
20130101; A61B 5/02433 20130101; A61B 5/02438 20130101; A61B 5/002
20130101; A61B 5/0022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/324 ;
600/344; 128/921 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A monitoring device for monitoring the health of a user, the
monitoring device comprising: an article having a main body, a
first band attached to one end of the main body and a second band
attached to a second end of the body, the first band and the second
band having a connection mechanism for connecting to each other;
means for measuring blood flow through an artery of the wrist of
the user, the measuring means disposed on the first band of the
article; means for calculating calories expended by the user during
a time period, the calculating means disposed on the main body of
the article; means for visually displaying the calories expended by
the user, the visually displaying means disposed on an exterior
surface of the main body of the article; and means for controlling
the input information and the output of information displayed on
the visually displaying means, the controlling means disposed on
the exterior surface of the main body of the article.
2. The monitoring device according to claim 1 further comprising
means for determining the pulse rate of the user.
3. The monitoring device according to claim 1 further comprising a
time function mechanism disposed on the main body of the article to
provide a time of day.
4. The monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein each of the
first band and the second band of the article is composed of a
neoprene material.
5. The monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein the measuring
means is an optical sensor comprising a light-to-voltage
photodetector capable of transmitting a digital signal, and at
least one light emitting diode capable of radiating light ranging
from 600 nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
6. The monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein the measuring
means is a pulse oximetry sensor comprising a light-to-voltage
photodetector capable of transmitting a digital signal, first light
emitting diode capable of radiating red light and a second light
emitting diode capable of emitting infrared light.
7. The monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein the measuring
means is an optical sensor comprising a light-to-frequency
photodetector capable of transmitting a digital signal, and at
least one light emitting diode capable of radiating light ranging
from 570 nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
8. The monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein the measuring
means is an optical sensor comprising a plurality of
light-to-voltage photodetectors capable of transmitting a digital
signal, and at least one light emitting diode capable of radiating
light ranging from 600 nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
9. The monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein the measuring
means is an optical sensor comprising a plurality of
light-to-frequency photodetectors capable of transmitting a digital
signal, and at least one light emitting diode capable of radiating
light ranging from 570 nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
10. A monitoring device for monitoring the health of a user, the
monitoring device comprising: an article to be worn on the user's
wrist, the article comprising a main body having an interior
surface and an exterior surface, a first band attached to one end
of the main body and a second band attached to a second end of the
body, the first band and the second band having a connection
mechanism for connecting to each other; an optical sensor disposed
on an interior surface of the first band of the article; a
circuitry assembly embedded within the main body of the article; a
display member disposed on an exterior surface of the main body of
the article; and a control component disposed on the exterior
surface of the main body of the article, the control component
controlling the input of information and the output of information
displayed on the display member.
11. The monitoring device according to claim 10 wherein the optical
sensor comprises a light-to-voltage photodetector capable of
transmitting a digital signal, and at least one light emitting
diode capable of radiating light ranging from 600 nanometers to
1100 nanometers.
12. The monitoring device according to claim 10 wherein the optical
sensor comprises a light-to-frequency photodetector capable of
transmitting a digital signal, and at least one light emitting
diode capable of radiating light ranging from 570 nanometers to
1100 nanometers.
13. The monitoring device according to claim 10 wherein the optical
sensor comprises a plurality of light-to-voltage photodetectors
capable of transmitting a digital signal, and at least one light
emitting diode capable of radiating light ranging from 600
nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
14. The monitoring device according to claim 10 wherein the optical
sensor comprises a plurality of light-to-frequency photodetectors
capable of transmitting a digital signal, and at least one light
emitting diode capable of radiating light ranging from 570
nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
15. A watch with a monitoring device for monitoring the health of a
user, the watch comprising: a main body having an interior surface
and an exterior surface, the main body comprising a timepiece
mechanism; a first band connected to a first end of the main body;
a second band connected to a second end of the main body, the first
band and the second connectable to each other; an optical sensor
disposed on the interior surface of the first band; a circuitry
assembly embedded within the first band, the circuitry assembly
comprising a microprocessor and connected to the optical sensor; a
display member disposed on an exterior surface of the main body;
and a control component disposed on the exterior surface of the
main body, the control component controlling the input of
information and the output of information displayed on the display
member.
16. The watch according to claim 15 wherein the optical sensor
comprises a light-to-voltage photodetector capable of transmitting
a digital signal, and at least one light emitting diode capable of
radiating light ranging from 600 nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
17. The monitoring device according to claim 15 wherein the optical
sensor comprises a light-to-frequency photodetector capable of
transmitting a digital signal, and at least one light emitting
diode capable of radiating light ranging from 570 nanometers to
1100 nanometers.
18. The monitoring device according to claim 15 wherein the optical
sensor comprises a plurality of light-to-voltage photodetectors
capable of transmitting a digital signal, and at least one light
emitting diode capable of radiating light ranging from 600
nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
19. The monitoring device according to claim 15 wherein the optical
sensor comprises a plurality of light-to-frequency photodetectors
capable of transmitting a digital signal, and at least one light
emitting diode capable of radiating light ranging from 570
nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
20. The monitoring device according to claim 15 wherein the
circuitry assembly is in wireless communication with a receiver on
the main body.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The Present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/669,325, filed on Apr. 7, 2005. The
Present application is also a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/085,778, filed on Mar. 21,
2005, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/613,785, filed on Sep. 28, 2004, now
abandoned.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention is related to health monitoring
devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
wrist worn article for monitoring a user's vital signs.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] There is a need to know how one is doing from a health
perspective. In some individuals, there is a daily, even hourly,
need to know one's health. The prior art has provided some devices
to meet this need.
[0007] One such device is a pulse oximetry device. Pulse oximetry
is used to determine the oxygen saturation of arterial blood. Pulse
oximeter devices typically contain two light emitting diodes: one
in the red band of light (660 nanometers) and one in the infrared
band of light (940 nanometers). Oxyhemoglobin absorbs infrared
light while deoxyhemoglobin absorbs visible red light. Pulse
oximeter devices also contain sensors that detect the ratio of
red/infrared absorption several hundred times per second. A
preferred algorithm for calculating the absorption is derived from
the Beer-Lambert Law, which determines the transmitted light from
the incident light multiplied by the exponential of the negative of
the product of the distance through the medium, the concentration
of the solute and the extinction coefficient of the solute.
[0008] The major advantages of pulse oximetry devices include the
fact that the devices are non-invasive, easy to use, allows for
continuous monitoring, permits early detection of desaturation and
is relatively inexpensive. The disadvantages of pulse oximetry
devices are that it is prone to artifact, it is inaccurate at
saturation levels below 70%, and there is a minimal risk of burns
in poor perfusion states. Several factors can cause inaccurate
readings using pulse oximetry including ambient light, deep skin
pigment, excessive motion, fingernail polish, low flow caused by
cardiac bypass, hypotension, vasoconstriction, and the like.
[0009] Chin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,673 discloses a pulse
oximetry device that is positioned entirely on a user's nail to
reduce out of phase motion signals for red and infrared wavelengths
for use in a least squares or ratio-of-ratios technique to
determine a patient's arterial oxygen saturation.
[0010] Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,495 discloses an apparatus for
processing signals containing information concerning the pulse rate
and the arterial oxygen saturation of a patient. Smith also
discloses maintaining the position of the LEDs and detectors to
prevent motion-artifacts from being produced in the signal.
[0011] Another method for using a pulse oximeter to measure blood
pressure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,613 to Goodman for a
`Physiological Signal Monitoring System`. The '613 patent discloses
processing a pulse oximetry signal in combination with information
from a calibrating device to determine a patient's blood
pressure.
[0012] Chen et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,251 discloses a system and
method for monitoring blood pressure by detecting pulse signals at
two different locations on a subjects body, preferably on the
subject's finger and earlobe. The pulse signals are preferably
detected using pulse oximetry devices.
[0013] Schulze et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,852, discloses the use
of an earpiece having a pulse oximetry device and thermopile to
monitor and measure physiological variables of a user.
[0014] Malinouskas, U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,630, discloses a method for
exposing a patient's extremity, such as a finger, to light of two
wavelengths and detecting the absorbance of the extremity at each
of the wavelengths.
[0015] Jobsis et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,240 discloses an optical
probe with a light source and a light detector incorporated into
channels within a deformable mounting structure which is adhered to
a strap. The light source and the light detector are secured to the
patient's body by adhesive tapes and pressure induced by closing
the strap around a portion of the body.
[0016] Tan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,879 discloses an optical
probe with a T-shaped wrap having a vertical stem and a horizontal
cross bar, which is utilized to secure a light source and an
optical sensor in optical contact with a finger. A metallic
material is utilized to reflect heat back to the patient's body and
to provide opacity to interfering, ambient light. The sensor is
secured to the patient's body using an adhesive or hook and loop
material.
[0017] Modgil et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,454 discloses a strap
that is composed of an elastic material that wraps around the
outside of an oximeter probe and is secured to the oximeter probe
by attachment mechanisms such as Velcro, which allows for
adjustment after initial application without producing excessive
stress on the spring hinge of the oximeter probe.
[0018] Diab et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,511 discloses a disposable
optical probe suited to reduce noise in measurements, which is
adhesively secured to a patient's finger, toe, forehead, earlobe or
lip.
[0019] Diab et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,678,543 discloses an oximeter
sensor system that has a reusable portion and a disposable portion.
A method for precalibrating a light sensor of the oximeter sensor
system is also disclosed.
[0020] Tripp, Jr. et al., U.S. Statutory Invention Registration
Number H1039 discloses an intrusion free physiological condition
monitor that utilizes pulse oximetry devices.
[0021] Hisano et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,473, discloses a
headphone-type exercise aid which detects a pulse wave using an
optical sensor to provide a user with an optimal exercise
intensity.
[0022] In monitoring one's health there is a constant need to know
how many calories have been expended whether exercising or going
about one's daily routine. A calorie is a measure of heat,
generated when energy is produced in our bodies. The amount of
calories burned during exercise is a measure of the total amount of
energy used during a workout. This can be important, since
increased energy usage through exercise helps reduce body fat.
There are several means to measure this expenditure of energy. To
calculate the calories burned during exercise one multiplies the
intensity level of the exercise by one's body weight (in
kilograms). This provides the amount of calories burned in an hour.
A unit of measurement called a MET is used to rate the intensity of
an exercise. One MET is equal to the amount of energy expended at
rest.
[0023] For example, the intensity of walking 3 miles per hour
("mph") is about 3.3 METS. At this speed, a person who weighs 132
pounds (60 kilograms) will burn about 200 calories per hour
(60.times.3.3=198).
[0024] The computer controls in higher-quality exercise equipment
can provide a calculation of how many calories are burned by an
individual using the equipment. Based on the workload, the computer
controls of the equipment calculate exercise intensity and calories
burned according to established formulae.
[0025] The readings provided by equipment are only accurate if one
is able to input one's body weight. If the machine does not allow
this, then the "calories per hour" or "calories used" displays are
only approximations. The machines have built-in standard weights
(usually 174 pounds) that are used when there is no specific user
weight.
[0026] There are devices that utilize a watch-type monitor to
provide the wearer with heart rate as measured by a heartbeat
sensor in a chest belt.
[0027] The prior art has failed to provide a means for monitoring
one's health that is accurate, easy to wear on one's body for
extended time periods, allows the user to input information and
control the output, and provides sufficient information to the user
about the user's health. Thus, there is a need for a monitoring
device that can be worn for an extended period and provide health
information to a user. Further, there is a need for an add-on
product to enhance the communication of information provided by a
sports watch to an individual wearing the sports watch.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention provides a solution to the
shortcomings of the prior art. The present invention is accurate,
comfortable to wear by a user for extended time periods, is light
weight, and provides sufficient real-time information to the user
about the user's health. Further, the present invention may be
added to a sports watch to enhance the amount of information
provided to the user.
[0029] One aspect of the present invention is a monitoring device
comprising a digital watch and at least one band of the watch
having an optical sensor connected to a circuitry assembly. The
circuitry assembly is in communication with the digital watch to
provide health-related information for display on the display unit
of the watch. In particular, the band with the optical sensor and
circuitry assembly may be utilized with the BODYLINK system used on
or with TIMEX digital watches.
[0030] Another aspect of the present invention is a monitoring
device comprising a digital watch and at least one band of the
watch having an optical sensor in communication with the digital
watch to provide health-related information for display on the
display unit of the watch. The location of the optical sensor on
the band allows for integration with a conventional digital watch
such as a TIMEX digital watch, several of which are disclosed at
www.timex.com. In particular, the band with the optical sensor may
be utilized with the BODYLINK system used on or with TIMEX digital
watches.
[0031] Another aspect of the present invention is a monitoring
device for monitoring the health of a user. The monitoring device
includes an article, an optical device for generating a pulse
waveform, a circuitry assembly embedded within the article, a
display member positioned on an exterior surface of the article,
and a control means attached to the article.
[0032] The article is preferably a watch having a main body and
bands connectable to each other. The article preferably has a
minimal mass, one to five ounces, and each band is preferably
flexible so that the user can wear the watch the entire day if
necessary. The monitoring device allows the user to track calories
burnt during a set time period, monitor heart rate, blood
oxygenation levels, distance traveled, target zones and optionally
dynamic blood pressure.
[0033] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for
monitoring a user's vital signs. The method includes generating a
signal corresponding to the flow of blood through an artery of the
user. The signal is generated from an optical device. Next, the
heart rate data of the user and an oxygen saturation level data of
the user is generated from the signal. Next, the heart rate data of
the user and the oxygen saturation level data of the user are
processed for analysis of calories expended by the user and for
display of the user's heart rate and blood oxygen saturation level.
Next, the calories expended by the user, the user's heart rate or
the user's blood oxygen saturation level are displayed on a display
member disposed on an exterior surface of an article, which is
controlled by the user using a control component extending from the
article.
[0034] Having briefly described the present invention, the above
and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be
recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following
detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
monitoring device worn by a user.
[0036] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a band of a watch of
the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a monitoring device worn by a user.
[0038] FIG. 2A is an isolated view of a light source and plurality
of photodetectors of the monitoring device of FIG. 2.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a watch of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of a band of a watch, and the
watch.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a view of a user's wrist with the user's radial
artery shown in phantom lines with an optical sensor of an article
of the present invention placed over the radial artery.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a cut-away of a user's wrist to illustrate the
user's radial artery.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for using the control component to
input information and output information on a display of the
monitoring device.
[0044] FIG. 7 is an image of an activity log of information
obtained from a monitoring device.
[0045] FIG. 8 is an image of calorie information obtained from a
monitoring device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a monitoring device is generally
designated 20. The monitoring device 20 preferably includes an
article 25, an optical sensor 30, a circuitry assembly 35, a
control component 43, connection wires 45, and optionally a display
member 40. The monitoring device 20 is preferably worn on a user's
wrist 71.
[0047] The article 25, which is preferably a watch, preferably has
a main body portion 95, a first band 96a and a second band 96b. The
watch 25 is sized to securely attach to a user's wrist 71. The
watch 25 is adopted to act as a monitoring device or a monitoring
device is integrated into a watch. The term article and watch are
used interchangeably and those skilled in the pertinent art will
recognize that a watch is a preferred embodiment of the article
25.
[0048] It is desirous to adapt the article 25 to the anatomy of the
user's wrist. Each of the first band 96a and the second 96b is
preferably composed of neoprene, leather, synthetic leather, or
other similar material, or a combination thereof. The article 25
preferably has a mass ranging from 5 grams to 50 grams. Preferably,
the lower the mass of the article 25, the more comfort to the user.
The optical sensor 30 and optional circuitry assembly 35 are
preferably disposed on one of the first band 96a or second band
96b.
[0049] The optical sensor 30 is preferably positioned on an
interior surface 98 of one of the first band 96a or second band 96b
of the watch 25. The optical sensor 30 is preferably connected to
the circuitry assembly 35 by the connection wires 45. The
connection wires 45 are preferably embedded within one of the first
band 96a or second band 96b of the watch 25, and also connected to
the main body portion 95.
[0050] The optical sensor 30 of the monitoring device 20 is
preferably positioned over the radial artery 77 of a user. However,
those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the optical
sensor may be placed over other arteries of the user without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Further, the optical sensor 30 need only be in proximity to an
artery of the user in order to obtain a reading or signal.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the optical sensor 30 is a
photodetector 130 and a single light emitting diode ("LED") 135
transmitting light at a wavelength of approximately 660 nanometers.
As the heart pumps blood through the arteries in the user's ankle
or wrist, blood cells absorb and transmit varying amounts of the
light depending on how much oxygen binds to the cells' hemoglobin.
The photodetector 30, which is typically a photodiode, detects
transmission at the red wavelengths, and in response generates a
radiation-induced signal. Yet in an alternative embodiment, the
optical device 30 is based on green light wherein a LED generates
green light (.lamda..about.500-600 nm), and the phtotodetector
detects the green light.
[0052] Alternatively, the optical sensor 30 is a pulse oximetry
device with a light source 135 that typically includes LEDs that
generate both red (.lamda..about.660 nm) and infrared
(.lamda..about.900 nm) radiation. As the heart pumps blood through
the arteries in the wrist of the user, blood cells absorb and
transmit varying amounts of the red and infrared radiation
depending on how much oxygen binds to the cells' hemoglobin. The
photodetector 130, which is typically a photodiode, detects
transmission at the red and infrared wavelengths, and in response
generates a radiation-induced signal.
[0053] Alternatively, the optical sensor 30 is pulse oximetry
device comprising the photodetector 130, a first light source 135
and a second light source 135a, not shown. In this embodiment, the
first light source 135 emits light in an infrared range
(.lamda..about.900 nm) and the second light source 135a emits light
in a red range (.lamda..about.630 nm).
[0054] The light source 135 typically is a light-emitting diode
that emits light in a range from 570 nanometers to 1100 nanometers.
As the heart pumps blood through the patient's wrist, blood cells
absorb and transmit varying amounts of the red and infrared
radiation depending on how much oxygen binds to the cells'
hemoglobin. The photodetector 130, which is typically a photodiode,
detects transmission at the red and infrared wavelengths, and in
response generates a radiation-induced current that travels through
the connection wires 45 to the circuitry assembly 35 on the article
25.
[0055] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the optical
sensor includes a plurality of photodetectors 130 and a single LED
135.
[0056] A preferred photodetector 130 is a light-to-voltage
photodetector such as the TSL260R and TSL261, TSL261R
photodetectors available from TAOS, Inc of Plano Tex.
Alternatively, the photodetector 130 is a light-to-frequency
photodetector such as the TSL245R, which is also available from
TAOS, Inc. The light-to-voltage photodetectors have an integrated
transimpedance amplifier on a single monolithic integrated circuit,
which reduces the need for ambient light filtering. The TSL261
photodetector preferably operates at a wavelength greater than 750
nanometers, and optimally at 940 nanometers, which would preferably
have a LED that radiates light at those wavelengths. A preferred
optical sensor 30 utilizing green light is a TRS1755 sensor from
TAOS, Inc of Plano Tex. The TRS1755 comprises a green LED light
source (567 nm wavelength) and a light-to-voltage converter. The
output voltage is directly proportional to the reflected light
intensity.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the circuit assembly 35 is
flexible to allow for the contour of the user's wrist, and the
movement thereof. Preferably the dimensions of a board of the
circuit assembly 35 are approximately 39 millimeters (length) by
approximately 21 millimeters (width) by 0.5 millimeters
(thickness). The circuit assembly 35 is preferably embedded within
a band 96a of the watch 25. The circuit assembly 35 is preferably
shaped to fit within the first band 96a.
[0058] Alternatively, the circuitry assembly 35 includes a flexible
microprocessor board and a flexible pulse oximetry board. An
alternative pulse oximetry board is a BCI MICRO POWER oximetry
board, which is a low power, micro-size easily integrated board
which provides blood oxygenation level, pulse rate (heart rate),
signal strength bargraph, plethysmogram and status bits data. The
size of the board is preferably 25.4 millimeters
(length).times.12.7 millimeters (width).times.5 millimeters
(thickness). The microprocessor board receives data from the pulse
oximetry board and processes the data to display on the display
member 40. The microprocessor can also store data. The
microprocessor can process the data to display pulse rate, blood
oxygenation levels, calories expended by the user of a pre-set time
period, target zone activity, time and dynamic blood pressure.
Alternatively, the circuitry assembly 35 is a single board with a
pulse oximetry circuit and a microprocessor.
[0059] The display member 40 is preferably a light emitting diode
("LED"). Alternatively, the display member 40 is a liquid crystal
display ("LCD") or other similar display device.
[0060] On the circuitry assembly 35, a microcontroller processes
the signal generated from the optical sensor 30 to generate the
plurality of vital sign information for the user which is displayed
on the display member 40. The control component 43 is connected to
the circuit assembly 35 to control the input of information and the
output of information displayed on the display member 40.
[0061] The monitoring device 20 is preferably powered by a power
source positioned on the watch 25. Preferably the power source is a
battery accessible at an interior surface of the main body portion
95. The power source is preferably connected to the circuit
assembly 35 by positive wire and ground wire, and the ground wire
and positive wire are embedded within the article 25.
[0062] In an alternative embodiment, a short range wireless
transceiver 36 is included in the circuitry assembly 35 for
transmitting information processed from the optical sensor 30 to a
receiver on the watch 25. Alternatively, the information is
transmitted to a handheld device or a computer, not shown, to form
a system. The display member 40 is optional in this embodiment.
[0063] The short-range wireless transceiver is preferably a
transmitter operating on a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth.TM.,
part-15, or 802.11. "Part-15" refers to a conventional low-power,
short-range wireless protocol, such as that used in cordless
telephones. The short-range wireless transmitter (e.g., a
Bluetooth.TM. transmitter) receives information from the
microprocessor and transmits this information in the form of a
packet through an antenna. The external laptop computer or
hand-held device features a similar antenna coupled to a matched
wireless, short-range receiver that receives the packet. In certain
embodiments, the hand-held device is a cellular telephone with a
Bluetooth circuit integrated directly into a chipset used in the
cellular telephone. In this case, the cellular telephone may
include a software application that receives, processes, and
displays the information. The secondary wireless component may also
include a long-range wireless transmitter that transmits
information over a terrestrial, satellite, or 802.11-based wireless
network. Suitable networks include those operating at least one of
the following protocols: CDMA, GSM, GPRS, Mobitex, DataTac, iDEN,
and analogs and derivatives thereof. Alternatively, the handheld
device is a pager or PDA.
[0064] A flow chart diagram 400 for using the control component 43
with the display member 40 is shown in FIG. 6. As mentioned above,
the control component 43 allows a user to scroll and select from
terms displayed on the display member 40. User inputs preferably
include age, gender, weight, height and resting heart rate which
can be inputted and stored in a memory of the circuit assembly 35.
The real time heart rate of the user is preferably displayed as a
default display, and the user's real time heart rate is preferably
updated every ten seconds based on measurements from the optical
sensor 30. Based on the user inputs, the calories expended by the
user for a set time period are calculated and displayed on the
display member 40 as desired by the user using the control
component 43. The monitoring device 20 will also preferably include
a conventional stop watch function, which is displayed on the
display member 40 as desired by the user. The display member 40
preferably displays a visual alert when a user enters or exits a
target zone such as a cardio zone or fat burning zone. The
monitoring device 20 optionally includes an audio alert for
entering or exiting such target zones.
[0065] The user can use the control component 43 to maneuver
between the user's real-time heart rate and real time calories
expended by the user during a set time period. The user can also
scroll through a menu-like display on the display member 40 and
enter options by pushing downward on the control component 43. The
options can preferably include a "My Data" section which the user
inputs by scrolling and selection an option by pushing downward,
such as selecting between male and female for gender. The user can
also select target zones by scrolling through a different section
of the menu. As discussed below, each target zone is calculated
using a formula based upon the user's personal data. In operation,
when a specific target zone is selected, a visual alert in the form
of a specific display such as an icon-like picture is displayed on
the display member 40 to demonstrate that the user is now in the
specified target zone. The icon preferably blinks for a set period
of time such as ten seconds. Those skilled in the pertinent art
will recognize that other options may be included on the menu-like
display without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0066] In yet an alternative embodiment, an accelerometer, not
shown, is embedded within the main body portion 95 of the watch 25
and connected to the circuitry assembly 35 in order to provide
information on the distance traveled by the user. In a preferred
embodiment, the accelerometer is a multiple-axis accelerometer,
such as the ADXL202 made by Analog Devices of Norwood, Mass. This
device is a standard micro-electronic-machine ("MEMs") module that
measures acceleration and deceleration using an array of
silicon-based structures.
[0067] In yet another embodiment, the monitoring device 20
comprises a first thermistor, not shown, for measuring the
temperature of the user's skin and a second thermistor, not shown,
for measuring the temperate of the air. The temperature readings
are displayed on the display member 40 and the skin temperature is
preferably utilized in further determining the calories expended by
the user during a set time period. One such commercially available
thermistor is sold under the brand LM34 from National Semiconductor
of Santa Clara, Calif. A microcontroller that is utilized with the
thermistor is sold under the brand name ATMega 8535 by Atmel of San
Jose, Calif.
[0068] The monitoring device 20 may also be able to download the
information to a computer for further processing and storage of
information. The download may be wireless or through cable
connection. The information can generate an activity log 250 such
as shown in FIG. 7, or a calorie chart 255 such as shown in FIG.
8.
[0069] The microprocessor can use various methods to calculate
calories burned by a user. One such method uses the Harris-Benedict
formula Other methods are set forth at
www.unu.edu/unupress/food2/which relevant parts are hereby
incorporated by reference. The Harris-Benedict formula uses the
factors of height, weight, age, and sex to determine basal
metabolic rate (BMR). This equation is very accurate in all but the
extremely muscular (will underestimate calorie needs) and the
extremely overweight (will overestimate caloric needs) user.
[0070] The equations for men and women are set forth below: Men:
BMR=66+(13.7.times.mass (kg))+(5.times.height (cm))-(6.8.times.age
(years)) Women:
BMR=655+(9.6.times.mass)+(1.8.times.height)-(4.7.times.age)
[0071] The calories burned are calculated by multiplying the BMR by
the following appropriate activity factor: sedentary; lightly
active; moderately active; very active; and extra active.
Sedentary=BMR multiplied by 1.2 (little or no exercise, desk job)
Lightly active=BMR multiplied by 1.375 (light exercise/sports 1-3
days/wk) Moderately Active=BMR multiplied by 1.55 (moderate
exercise/sports 3-5 days/wk) Very active=BMR multiplied by 1.725
(hard exercise/sports 6-7 days/wk) Extra Active=BMR multiplied by
1.9 (hard daily exercise/sports & physical job or 2.times.day
training, marathon, football camp, contest, etc.)
[0072] Various target zones may also be calculated by the
microprocessor. These target zones include: fat burn zone; cardio
zone; moderate activity zone; weight management zone; aerobic zone;
anaerobic threshold zone; and red-line zone. Fat Burn
Zone=(220-age).times.60%&70% An example for a thirty-eight year
old female: (220-38).times.0.6=109 (220-38).times.0.7=127 [0073]
Fat Burn Zone between 109 to 127 heart beats per minute. Cardio
Zone=(220-your age).times.70%&80% An example for a thirty-eight
year old female: (220-38).times.0.7=127 (220-38).times.0.8=146
[0074] Cardio zone is between 127 & 146 heart beats per
minute.
[0075] Moderate Activity Zone, at 50 to 60 percent of your maximum
heart rate, burns fat more readily than carbohydrates. That is the
zone one should exercise at if one wants slow, even conditioning
with little pain or strain.
[0076] Weight Management Zone, at 60 to 70 percent of maximum,
strengthens ones heart and burns sufficient calories to lower one's
body weight.
[0077] Aerobic Zone, at 70 to 80 percent of maximum, not only
strengthens one's heart but also trains one's body to process
oxygen more efficiently, improving endurance.
[0078] Anaerobic Threshold Zone, at 80 to 90 percent of maximum,
improves one's ability to rid one's body of the lactic-acid buildup
that leads to muscles ache near one's performance limit. Over time,
training in this zone will raise one's limit.
[0079] Red-Line Zone, at 90 to 100 percent of maximum, is where
serious athletes train when they are striving for speed instead of
endurance.
EXAMPLE ONE
Female, 30 yrs old, height 167.6 centimeters, weight 54.5
kilograms.
The BMR=655+523+302-141=1339 calories/day.
[0080] The BMR is 1339 calories per day. The activity level is
moderately active (work out 34 times per week). The activity factor
is 1.55. The TDEE=1.55.times.1339=2075 calories/day. TDEE is
calculated by multiplying the BMR of the user by the activity
multiplier of the user.
[0081] A system may use the heart rate to dynamically determine an
activity level and periodically recalculate the calories burned
based upon that factor. An example of such an activity level look
up table might be as follows:
Activity/Intensity Multiplier Based on Heart Rate
Sedentary=BMR.times.1.2 (little or no exercise, average heart rate
65-75 bpm or lower) Lightly active=BMR.times.3.5 (light exercise,
75 bpm-115 bpm) Mod. active=BMR.times.5.75 (moderate exercise,
115-140 pm) Very active=BMR.times.9.25 (hard exercise, 140-175 bpm)
Extra active=BMR.times.13 (175 bpm-maximum heart rate as calculated
with MHR formula)
[0082] For example, while sitting at a desk, a man in the above
example might have a heart rate of between 65 and 75 beats per
minute (BPM). (The average heart rate for an adult is between 65
and 75 beats per minute.) Based on this dynamically updated heart
rate his activity level might be considered sedentary. If the heart
rate remained in this range for 30 minutes, based on the
Harris-Benedict formula he would have expended 1.34 calories a
minute.times.1.2 (activity level).times.30 minutes, which is equal
to 48.24 calories burned.
[0083] If the man were to run a mile for 30 minutes, with a heart
rate ranging between 120 and 130 bpm, his activity level might be
considered very active. His caloric expenditure would be 1.34
calories a minute.times.9.25 (activity level).times.30 minutes,
which is equal to 371.85.
[0084] Another equation is weight multiplied by time multiplied by
an activity factor multiplied by 0.000119.
[0085] From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the
pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this
invention and will readily understand that while the present
invention has been described in association with a preferred
embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, numerous changes modification and
substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be
unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following
appended claim. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in
which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in
the following appended claims.
* * * * *
References